Le Petit Theatre is back and better than ever

“The building was badly in need of repair,” board member Kathleen Van Horn said. “We had a lot of termite damage, and the building was not up to code in most ways.”

That’s all changed now, though, and in a big way. Thanks to a $1.5 million renovation, Le Petit Theater doesn’t just meet standards – it sets them. In other ways, it’s been setting standards for almost 100 years. The theatre is one of the oldest community theatres in the country, and became known as the premiere place for live theater quickly after it was established in 1916.

Now this beautifully renovated theater, complete with new dressing rooms for actors and offices for the staff, is ready to start the 2013-2014 season. The executive director and the artistic committee chose a collection of plays that should appeal to everyone, Van Horn said.

“There’s some theatre, some comedy, two musicals – I really think it’s a good season,” she said. “There’s something for everyone…There hasn’t been a production of hair in a long, long time in this area so we’re very excited about that as well.”

The theatre’s staff is also hoping to do much more community outreach now that they have the space. They are particularly interested in an education program for disadvantaged school-age children, and eventually, classes for children of all ages. Design classes and audition workshops are also on the horizon, although it may be a while.

In the meantime, Le Petit Theatre will do what it does best – perform. Tickets for the 2013-2014 season are on sale. Scan the list on this season’s plays below, and go see a show to support your local theatre community.